Marvin Osorio

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A Good Samaritan may have saved a life in Virginia after deputies say an 18-year-old opened fire during an argument about a pet.

The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called around 7:05 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, to the area of Oak Crest Drive and Horse Creek Lane for a reported shooting.

The suspect was identified as Marvin Osorio, 18, of Spotsylvania.

Deputies said the victim told them they had been in “an argument about a pet” with Osorio when the confrontation escalated. The sheriff’s office said Osorio “allegedly pulled out a firearm and began threatening the victim.”

The victim tried to escape. 

While running, deputies said the victim encountered a citizen who was pulling out of their driveway. The victim — described as “frantic” and being chased by the armed suspect — begged for help.

According to the sheriff’s office, the citizen “immediately allowed the victim into their vehicle and drove off.” As the vehicle pulled away, Osorio “opened fire on the vehicle.”

No one inside was hit.

The victim called 911, and deputies responded. 

After speaking with the victim, deputies went to a residence on Horse Creek Lane. They made announcements, and Osorio came out and was taken into custody without incident, officials said.

A search warrant was executed at the home, where the suspect’s firearm was found. Virginia State Police also responded with an explosives detection canine to help locate spent shell casings.

Osorio is charged with:

  • Reckless handling of a firearm;
  • Shooting at an occupied vehicle;
  • Malicious shooting;
  • Threats in writing;
  • Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

He was also served with an open warrant for destruction of property and was taken to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, the sheriff’s office said.

"We are extremely grateful that no one was injured during this violent encounter,” officials said, while praising the neighbor whose actions helped the victim escape: “We commend the courageous citizen whose quick and selfless actions may have saved a life.”